Man jailed for NYC terrorism plot to blow up synagogues

A Queens man was sentenced to 10 years jail Friday for plotting to blow up synagogues in Manhattan.

Ahmed Ferhani, 28, pleaded guilty to 10 charges, including conspiracy as a crime of terrorism and criminal possession of a weapon as a crime of terrorism. (GREGORY P. MANGO (917) 673/AFP/Getty Images)

A Queens man was sentenced to 10 years jail Friday for a plot to blow up synagogues in New York.

Ahmed Ferhani pleaded guilty to 10 charges, including conspiracy as a crime of terrorism and criminal possession of a weapon as a crime of terrorism, but a grand jury declined to indict the 28-year-old on a top level terror charge, ABC News reported.

Ferhani was one of two men arrested in a weapons-buying sting in May 2011 following an eight-month surveillance operation.

"The defendant unequivocally admitted his guilt to intimidate the Jewish population of New York City," said Assistant District Attorney Gary Galperin.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Ferhani posed a real threat to New York's Jewish community. He purchased a hand grenade, two guns and 150 rounds of ammunition from an undercover officer, which was all "part of Ferhani's stated intention to attack and then 'blow up a synagogue in Manhattan, and take out the whole entire building,'" Kelly said in a written statement, CNN reported.

Authorities labelled Ferhani a home-grown terrorist who was intent on avenging abuse of Muslims around the world.

Ferhani apologized in court Friday for humiliating his family and he said he would spend his years in jail strengthening his mind and character.